Exit polls on Monday in Israel ‘s unprecedented third general election in less than a year, indicate incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds an edge over his challenger, retired military chief Benny Gantz, despite Netanyahu’s upcoming trial on corruption charges, but not enough to clinch a majority majority.
Voting ended at PM local time and Netanyahu, of the nationalist Likud party, is predicted to win between 90 and (seats out of) , while Gantz, of the centrist Blue and White party, holds between and 33 seats, according to three exit polls.
Neither Netanyahu nor Gantz were able to form a majority coalition during the previous two elections, leaving Israel in a state of political paralysis, and opinion polls are forecasting another deadlock.
BLOOMBERG TELLS AIPAC CONFERENCE SANDERS ‘DEAD WRONG’ TO BOYCOTT EVENT
As fears over the coronavirus deepen, possibly hindering voter participation, those who went to the polls spoke to Fox News in Tel Aviv after casting thei r ballots. Many believed it was time to get a working government, no matter who was elected.
“We should finally have a government,” said Shaina Kaplan, who’s from Jerusalem. “This is the third time. Without a government, the country can’t work right. ”
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings